KOA Camp Grounds
The word tradition is thrown around all too often in the media and society in general. When it comes to camping, however, KOA camp grounds are definitely a camping tradition.
KOA Camp Grounds
KOA stands for Kampgrounds of America. There are just around 500 KOA camp grounds in the United States and world wide. Given this large number, you may wonder why KOA camp grounds are so popular and really have no competition. It all comes down to the concept of getting away from the rat race, but not to far.
What makes KOA different from regular campgrounds is the concept of allowing each of us to blow out of town for a weekend of camping without spending a fortune in time and money on preparation. Nearly all KOA camp grounds come with convenient tent sites, complete RV hookups, bathrooms, stores, laundry facilities and hot showers. Did I mention the HOT showers?
At many Koa camp grounds, you can also get the full lodging options. Lodging facilities come in 3 different basic modes: Kamping Kabins, Kamping Lodges and Kamping Kottages.
Kamping Kabins are practical and economic one-room cabins. The measure 144 square feet and sleep up to 4 people snuggly. Some come with air conditioning, but it depends on the location. In a smaller number of locations, there is also a slightly larger version that sleeps 6 people.
Kamping Lodge is considered "the other side of the camping experience." In truth, it is a home away from home. Instead of roughing it in a tent or small room, the Kamping Lodge is essentially a small cabin. They come with two rooms, a bathroom and usually a complete kitchen. They are fairly small, but can sleep 6 people in comfort. Basically, we are talking about an RV without the gas prices, which isn’t bad at all.
Kamping Kottage is considered an intimate lodging experience with 2 different cottages. The Standard Kottage measures 230 square feet, sleeps up to 4 people, and includes bathroom, heat and air conditioning. Deluxe Kottages measure 280 square feet, sleeps up to 4 people, and has heat and air conditioning, separate bedroom, bathroom and full service kitchen. In all honesty, I have never been able to find any measurable difference between the Lodge and Kottage, but who am I to complain?
KOA camp grounds have been a standard bearer in the weekend road trip world of most campers. There is little reason to think this will change anytime soon and for good reason.